Arsenal welcomed Fulham to the Emirates Stadium as their end of season run in began with a tricky London derby.
Mikel Arteta has a great London Derby record and victory over Fulham would further cement Arsenal’s grip on second place in the Premier League.
Bukayo Saka was named on the bench in his first return since December 2024 and Arteta explained Ben White’s absence with the defender feeling a niggle in training.
The game could not have started worse for the Gunners as Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with a hamstring injury meaning he is now a major doubt for the Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
Just before half time things got brighter for the Gunners as Ethan Nwaneri’s cut back found Mikel Merino whose goal bound effort took a wicked deflection off Jorge Cuenca into the far corner.
It was a memorable return to the side for Saka as the winger came on in the second half to head home from a brilliant Gabriel Martinelli flick.
Rodrigo Muniz got a late consolation for the away side but Arteta’s men saw out the final few minutes to earn a well deserved win and pick up three vital points.
So, with that being said, here’s a look at a few things you may have missed from Arsenal’s clash against Fulham.
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Andrea Berta makes first Emirates Stadium appearance
Arsenal appointed Andrea Berta as their new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar and the Italian was at the Emirates Stadium to watch his new club for the first time in his role.
Berta knows the Arsenal positions he needs to strengthen and has hit the ground running in his first few days in the job with by examining the playing style in person.
Berta is an admirer of Viktor Gyokeres and despite Merino’s current heroics up front, the need for a proven focal point would have been clear to see for the new sporting director.
Mikel Arteta has head in hands following Gabriel Magalhaes injury
Arteta stresses the importance of every match but would have been hoping to build momentum in the next two Premier League games in order to prepare for the quarter final against Madrid.
The moment that defender Gabriel pulled up, the Gunners boss had his head in his hands as he realised a huge player for his side would be missing for the European tie.
It now leaves Arteta with the dilemma of how to replace Gabriel with Riccardo Calafiori injured and White also absent from the latest squad.
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Mikel Merino’s incredible scoring habit this season
Merino’s deflected strike was his seventh goal of the season in his debut year in English football but the timing of his strikes have been of real note.
Six of the Spaniard’s seven goals have given his side the lead in matches, showing that he can be relied upon in big moments.
It may not have been the smoothest of first seasons for the midfielder and he has faced criticism at times from fans but there can be no doubting his effort and he is beginning to have a real impact on the team.
Gabriel Martinelli impresses with direct dribbling
Martinelli made his name at Arsenal by having no fear in his play and driving at defences with his pace and power, that has gone missing for much of the last two seasons.
However, during the clash with Fulham, there were signs of that young, energetic Brazilian that first burst on to the scene at the club,
The winger gave Timothy Castagne a torrid evening and took every opportunity to weave past his opponent and deliver several dangerous crosses that should have been pounced upon more.
His performance will be a huge positive for Arteta with Real Madrid looming and their vulnerability at the back apparent.
Bukayo Saka runs to Arsenal medical staff on goal scoring return
Having been absent since December 2024 following a hamstring tear against Crystal Palace, Saka returned to the pitch in the 66th minute to a rousing reception from the home fans.
Saka replaced Nwaneri on the right hand side and the ground erupted as if the home side had scored a goal, even the Fulham fans were applauding the return of the England international.
It did not take long for the fan favourite to make his mark as he headed home from a superb Martinelli flick to secure the win for the Gunners.
Saka then celebrated his goal by running over to members of the Arsenal medical team in a way of showing his gratitude for their hard work and support on his road to recovery.
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